Paris-Gail Isaacs: We put up a hard fight

South Africa suffered a third straight defeat of the tournament, and prior to the loss against China they also suffered defeats to England (4-0) and India (6-1) finishing the pool stage without a point. 

Speaking to the media after the match, Isaacs admitted that China were more clinical in front of goal and made better use of their opportunities.

“We knew it was going to be a tough game so we prepared really well, but it was a very early game and an early wake up to be ready for this game knowing that China were the Olympic silver-medallists. It was a really tough game and we put up a hard fight out there,” said Isaacs

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Isaacs converted from a penalty corner in the 25th minute to draw level with China who found the first goal of the game as early as the 4th minute through Zou Meirong.

The Chinese took their chances and restored their lead as they took a 3-1 lead heading into the half-time break. The third quarter had no goals to show before China struck twice in the fourth quarter to hand themselves a 5-1 win. 

Isaacs admitted that China were more clinical when it came to converting chances.

“It went really well until the fourth quarter. We went into half-time 3-1 down but it was quite intense in the last quarter. We knew that they were going to come out with a fight knowing that we held them up. I think they just pushed through and they were more clinical with their chances.”

South Africa will now turn their attention to the 9th-16th classification phase where they have been drawn into Pool G. They will face Japan today at 09h30 SA Time..